Roof leak they won't repair

proccy

Recently had an obvious leak, with an unused bedroom ceiling leaking water and subsequent staining. Direct Line said they wouldn't cover it despite us having building and contents cover together with accidental damage. 
They said there'd been no sufficiently powerful storms in our area to cause it and sent some bloke out who agreed with them despite only inspecting from the street. 
Avoid Direct Line, who used to be good and reliable and now they're not 

Badboi

Do you have emergency cover with your bank? Been a life saver a couple of times for us with the roof 

Jellynailer

proccy said:

Recently had an obvious leak, with an unused bedroom ceiling leaking water and subsequent staining. Direct Line said they wouldn't cover it despite us having building and contents cover together with accidental damage. 
They said there'd been no sufficiently powerful storms in our area to cause it and sent some bloke out who agreed with them despite only inspecting from the street. 
Avoid Direct Line, who used to be good and reliable and now they're not 

Do you have or know anyone with a drone to check the roof.  It may be just a tile adrift as happened with my roof.  My local roofer sort it and some flashing needed for only £100 which is less than you would end up paying in future years for increased premiums due to your claim. 

Another tip is to heat the room to help the ceiling dry but I will not redecorate until the Spring because the roof joists may take a long time to dry out.

DullGreyGuy

proccy said:

Recently had an obvious leak, with an unused bedroom ceiling leaking water and subsequent staining. Direct Line said they wouldn't cover it despite us having building and contents cover together with accidental damage. 
They said there'd been no sufficiently powerful storms in our area to cause it and sent some bloke out who agreed with them despite only inspecting from the street. 
Avoid Direct Line, who used to be good and reliable and now they're not 

Home insurance isn't a maintenance contract... it covers sudden damage from an incident, like a storm hence their comment on weather, not just the gradual decay caused by time. 

dunstonh

Avoid Direct Line, who used to be good and reliable and now they're not 

To be fair, their reason for rejection seems fair and valid and would be replicated by most other insurers.

HampshireH

Minor repairs are general maintenance of the property. Not something usually covered nor something I wouldn't ever have considered claiming off the insurer.

Your policy documents will outline what you can and cannot claim for.

mr_stripey

proccy said:

Recently had an obvious leak, with an unused bedroom ceiling leaking water and subsequent staining. Direct Line said they wouldn't cover it despite us having building and contents cover together with accidental damage. 
They said there'd been no sufficiently powerful storms in our area to cause it and sent some bloke out who agreed with them despite only inspecting from the street. 
Avoid Direct Line, who used to be good and reliable and now they're not 

you'd probably find the same with any insurer. Roof maintenance is part of your house upkeep and not usually covered by insurance. 

If a tree crashed through your roof then yes. But a slipped tile, holes in flashing etc are just part of the upkeep.

Best thing to do is find a reputable local roofer who can take a look.